Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the 38th Fighter Group, led by Col. John Pearse, 8th FW commander, and Col. Eun-Sung Baek, 38th FG commander, run down the flight line during a formation run on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. The run was the start of the 2012 Kunsan Olympics, an event designed to boost camaraderie between the United States Air Force and the RoK Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)
The 8th Fighter Wing and 38th Fighter Group at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, kick off the Kunsan Olympics with a formation run Sept. 20, 2012. In the spirit of friendly competition, Americans and Koreans assigned to the base spent the day playing sports. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)
A member of the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron tries to sink the 8-ball during an 8-Ball tournament on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. The tournament was part of the 2012 Kunsan Olympics which featured numerous sporting events such as volleyball, basketball and golf. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)
Maj. Brian Min, 8th Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental flight commander, returns a serve as tennis partner Capt. James Shirley, 8th AMDS dentist, stands ready during the Kunsan Olympics Sept. 20, 2012, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The Kunsan Olympics were held to reaffirm the lasting relationship between American and Korean service members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley)
Members of the 8th Security Forces Squadron team compete in a game of blind volleyball against a Republic of Korea Air Force team during the 2012 Kunsan Olympics on Kunsan Air Base, RoK, Sept. 20, 2012. The Olympics were a chance for United States Air Force and RoKAF personnel to compete, interact and boost relations between the two. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)
1st Lt. David Lutz, 8th Medical Support Squadron, returns a serve during a table tennis match on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. The match was part of the 2012 Kunsan Olympics, which featured numerous sporting events with teams from both the United States and the Republic of Korea Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)
Capt. Daryl Mccoy , 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintenance officer, competes in the Kunsan Olympics golf tournament at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. The games were designed to strengthen the camaraderie of ROKAF and United States Air Forces while allowing friendly competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marcus Morris)
A member of the 8th Maintenance Squadron stretches to catch a ball during the Kunsan Olympics softball tournament at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. The Republic of Korea Air Force 38th Fighter Group Headquarters, took first place in the softball tournament. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Marcus Morris)
Members of the Republic of Korea Air Force 38th Fighter Group compete in tug of war against 8th Maintenance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 20, 2012. Although the 38th FG beat the 8th Mission Support Group, they were unable to beat the 8th MXS who took first place. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Marcus Morris)
by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/24/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The first-ever Kunsan Olympics held Sept. 20 gave U.S. and Republic of Korea Air Force Airmen the chance to strengthen a partnership 62 years in the making.
The day's events included both sports seen in the real Olympics, such as soccer and tennis, and others that aren't, including darts and bowling.
"The friendly competition was a positive way to associate with the ROKAF on a different level," said Staff Sgt. Gary Lund, 8th Fighter Wing Safety Office technician. "Everyone had a great attitude and playing sports with each other helped boost our morale."
At the closing ceremony, all first-, second- and third-place winners were rewarded with medals.
"Today was a great way to celebrate the history between the ROK and the U.S.," said Col. John Pearse, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "I thank the 38th Fighter Group for their hospitality and express our deepest gratitude at this opportunity to build our friendship and alliance."
The day's winners were: Racquetball: 8th Operations Support Squadron
Paintball: 8th Security Forces Squadron
Blind volleyball: 8th Communication Squadron
Bowling (morning session): 8th Maintenance Squadron
Bowling (afternoon session): 38th Headquarters
3-on-3 basketball: 8th Civil Engineer Squadron
Tennis: ROKAF Base Support Squadron B
Tug-of-war: 8th Maintenance Group
Softball: 8th Maintenance Squadron
Team relay: 8th Operations Group
Pingpong: 38th Fighter Group
Billiards: 8th Operations Group
Darts: 8th Operations Group
Golf (morning session): 8th Maintenance Squadron
Golf (afternoon session): ROKAF Base Support Squadron A
